On March 2, 2025, Hollywood glittered with the brilliance of the Oscars, and one name dominated the conversation: "Emilia Pérez." Directed by Jacques Audiard, this musical crime dramedy secured 13 nominations — the highest for any film this year — and prompted both accolades and controversies at the prestigious ceremony held at the Dolby Theatre.
Highlighting the night was Zoe Saldaña, who won her first Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role as Rita Mora Castro, the lawyer supporting the film’s titular character, Emilia Pérez, played by Karla Sofía Gascón. Saldaña's emotionally charged acceptance speech reflected on her proud heritage, saying, "I am a proud child of immigrant parents with dreams and dignity and hard-working hands." The actress made history as the first Dominican American to win an Oscar, marking a significant milestone for representation within the industry.
Saldaña was recognized for her exceptional performance, characterized by both vulnerability and strength, as she helped Emilia navigate her complex life and transition. During her heartfelt speech, she acknowledged how her role allowed her to express her cultural identity through music, stating, "the fact I'm getting an award for a role where I got to sing and speak Spanish — my grandmother, if she were here, would've been so delighted." This momentous occasion came after her success at various pre-Oscar events, where she claimed top honors at the Golden Globes and the BAFTAS.
Adding to the film's achievements, the song "El Mal," performed by Saldaña, also clinched the award for Best Original Song, crafted by French duo Camille and Clément Ducol along with Audiard. The song was described as "a three-minute tour de force" expressing themes of corruption and social justice. Camille reflected during her acceptance, "We wrote 'El Mal' as a song to denounce corruption, and we hope it speaks to the role music and art can continue to play as forces of good and progress in the world."
Despite its celebration at the Oscars, "Emilia Pérez" has been embroiled in its fair share of controversy. Critics have voiced concerns over the film’s portrayal of the transgender community and Mexican culture, labeling it as regressive and grounded in harmful stereotypes. GLAAD commented on the depiction of trans experiences within the film, arguing it perpetuates outdated tropes. This backlash has coincided with the rise of Gascón's past social media escapades, including racially charged tweets, which resurfaced just before the Oscars, prompting public outcry.
Defending her film's intentions, Saldaña stated, "I don't have any tolerance for any negative rhetoric toward any group," signaling her disappointment over the narratives surrounding her performance and the film. Meanwhile, Gascón herself provided clarification on her past comments, expressing regret over the pain she caused and emphasizing her efforts toward positive representation.
Despite the controversies, Saldaña smiled brightly under the Academy's spotlight, having gracefully navigated the turbulent waters of award season. She demonstrated strength both on and off the screen, honoring her community and calling for acknowledgment of diverse stories within Hollywood. "Emilia Pérez" emerged from the shadows of criticism, capturing the hearts of viewers — and voters — alike.
Set against the backdrop of the Mexican drug wars, the film follows Emilia's turbulent life as she fakes her own death and undergoes gender-affirming surgery with the hope of reconnecting with her estranged family and thawing the ice of her former life. This layered narrative, combined with musical elements, blended to create soundscapes and performances lauded as groundbreaking.
What’s clear is the film’s multifaceted nature, showcasing the struggle between attempting to craft meaningful narratives and the responsibility of respecting representation. While audiences embraced Saldaña's emotional performance and the elevatory nature of the film's score and songs, the narrative invited scrutiny and sparked urgent conversations about how industry standards continue to reflect, or fail to reflect, the realities of marginalized communities.
Saldaña’s historic win and the recognition of "El Mal" represented not just individual accomplishments but also called for broader conversations on representation, accuracy, and the responsibilities of storytellers. While the emotional rollercoaster of this year's Oscars illuminated the triumph of marginalized identities, it also highlighted the work still required to achieve true inclusivity and respect within cinematic narratives.
With 13 nominations, including Best Picture, Best International Film, and more, "Emilia Pérez" has carved out its place as not just an award giant, but as a significant cultural artifact. Yet, as with all meaningful artistic expressions, it brings forth the debate on what narratives we prioritize. Saldaña's win signals potential for change, but it also exemplifies the complex road still required to redefine representation without falling back on outdated stereotypes. The night ended with applause, but the dialogues surrounding the film reflect the multifaceted nature of progress and identity within Hollywood today.